NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal - Panama

NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal - Panama


Starring:Nova
Studio: Wgbh
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Description
A 30-year dream. A 50-mile shortcut. A timeless achievement.

A 50-mile shortcut to the Pacific lying just north of the equator is one of the most extraordinary human achievements ever. The building of the Panama Canal was a massive feat of engineering and ingenuity that cost millions of dollars and thousands of lives. NOVA offers a unique opportunity to explore the mind-boggling undertaking through historic film footage, rare archival photographs and insightful narration from author David McCullough.

Get an unprecedented look at the Canal's dangerous 30-year construction and wondrous present-day operation. Meet the persevering pioneers whose vision and determination overcame tremendous physical—and fiscal—obstacles. Understand why France abandoned the project after ten years and 20,000 deaths. Work alongside the builders who turned a fantastic dream into a fascinating reality. See immense steamshovels carve the earth. View the amazing "water elevators" that lift huge vessels 85 feet. Watch high-speed photography capture a lock passage. And much more!

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: 4 x 3 full frame.
NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal - Panama
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A better command of the English language
  • Building of Panama Canal
  • Wonderful pictures
  • Fascinating Engineering Feat and Human Perseverance
 NOVA: A Man, a Plan, a Canal - Panama
Starring: David McCullough
Director: Carl Charlson
Manufacturer: WGBH Boston
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:
  1. The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs
  2. Path Between The Seas : The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914
  3. Panama Canal By Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising the Panama Canal (2nd Edition)
  4. Portrait of the Panama Canal: From Construction to the Twenty-First Century Centennial Edition
  5. The Panama Canal: The Story of how a jungle was conquered and the world made smaller (Wonders of the World Book)

ASIN: B0002F6AJ8
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Description

A 30-year dream. A 50-mile shortcut. A timeless achievement.

A 50-mile shortcut to the Pacific lying just north of the equator is one of the most extraordinary human achievements ever. The building of the Panama Canal was a massive feat of engineering and ingenuity that cost millions of dollars and thousands of lives. NOVA offers a unique opportunity to explore the mind-boggling undertaking through historic film footage, rare archival photographs and insightful narration from author David McCullough.

Get an unprecedented look at the Canal's dangerous 30-year construction and wondrous present-day operation. Meet the persevering pioneers whose vision and determination overcame tremendous physical—and fiscal—obstacles. Understand why France abandoned the project after ten years and 20,000 deaths. Work alongside the builders who turned a fantastic dream into a fascinating reality. See immense steamshovels carve the earth. View the amazing "water elevators" that lift huge vessels 85 feet. Watch high-speed photography capture a lock passage. And much more!

On one DVD5 disc. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: 4 x 3 full frame.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars A better command of the English language.......2007-07-02

I was interested in purchasing a "complete" history of the construction of the Panama Canal [video & photos] ,,, but this film is merely 60 minutes in length! Can it be that throughout the history of its construction, ONLY 60 minutes of film [and photos] exist??? -- I think for the price it is hardly worth the short shrift it is getting!

Regarding Tara's review, "And I was pleasantly surprised it did not 'cover' the truth regarding the U.S. acquisition of the rights to the land for the Canal." -- Does this person mean "cover-up" or "include"??? A very poorly written review :-(

5 out of 5 stars Building of Panama Canal.......2007-01-10

Understanding how the Panama Canal was built. who started the building, the workers who help built the canal, the sacrifice that these people has to endure, who was responsible in finishing the momumnetal task and to what is the Panama Canal today is a marvelous historical representation.

I thank you.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful pictures.......2006-03-08

This DVD gives a good historical overview with breathtaking historic pictures and movies. A little bit more information about the current status of the canal would be great, but this seems to be not the intention of the movie.

5 out of 5 stars Fascinating Engineering Feat and Human Perseverance.......2005-01-26

I truly do appreciate when the time is taken to make a worthwhile subject to a few, interesting and accessible to many. My background is in civil engineering and I am a history buff. When the subject came up one day with my kids and spouse about the Panama Canal (I know, not general conversation) I remembered seeing this documentary. Fortunately, it had just come out in DVD (June 2004). Not only does it explain the engineering aspects in 'real people' language and visuals, but it tells the story of the people who made this happen through endurance and great hardship. And I was pleasantly surprised it did not cover the truth regarding the U.S. acquisition of the rights to the land for the Canal. I know if more 'archaic' subjects could be given this treatment, more kids and adults would be enriched by the knowledge. I will purchase this DVD in the near future.

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